OSHA
U.S. federal agency enforcing workplace safety standards
ISO 55001
International standard for asset management systems.
Quick Verdict
OSHA mandates US workplace safety standards with enforced inspections and fines, while ISO 55001 is a voluntary global framework for asset management systems. Companies adopt OSHA for legal compliance; ISO 55001 for lifecycle optimization and certification.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- General Duty Clause enforces recognized serious hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering over PPE
- 29 CFR 1910 standards for general industry hazards
- Risk-based inspections with escalating civil penalties
- Mandatory OSHA 300 recordkeeping and electronic reporting
ISO 55001
ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Requires Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)
- Formal asset decision-making framework
- Annex SL structure for system integration
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
- Risk and opportunity separation in planning
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
OSHA Details
What It Is
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, is a U.S. federal regulation enforcing workplace safety and health standards. Its primary purpose is assuring safe conditions through standards in 29 CFR 1910 (general industry) and others, using a performance-based, risk-hierarchy approach via the General Duty Clause.
Key Components
- Subparts covering walking surfaces, PPE, hazardous materials, toxic substances.
- **Hierarchy of controlselimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
- Recordkeeping (OSHA 300/300A/301), electronic ITA submission.
- Enforcement model with inspections, citations, penalties up to $165,514.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for U.S. employers; reduces injuries, penalties, insurance costs. Enhances reputation, productivity; aligns with IIPP for proactive risk management.
Implementation Overview
Gap analysis, written programs (HazCom, LOTO), training, audits. Applies to most industries; ongoing compliance via inspections, no certification but VPP voluntary.
ISO 55001 Details
What It Is
ISO 55001:2024 is the international standard specifying requirements for an Asset Management System (AMS). It provides a management system framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve processes that realize value from assets across their lifecycles. Applicable to any organization managing physical assets, it uses a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL for integration with other ISO standards.
Key Components
- Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Performance Evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
- 72 'shall' requirements emphasizing SAMP, decision-making framework, risk/opportunities.
- Built on ISO 55000 principles; certification via third-party audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives cost optimization, risk reduction, performance balancing.
- Meets regulatory, contractual demands in utilities, infrastructure.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables competitive bidding.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, training, audits.
- Suits asset-intensive firms; 12-24 months typical; voluntary certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | ISO 55001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health standards, recordkeeping | Asset management systems, lifecycle value optimization |
| Industry | All US industries, general/construction/agriculture | Asset-intensive sectors worldwide, utilities/manufacturing |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal regulations, enforced inspections | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | OSHA inspections, injury data submission, audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165k, criminal for willful violations | No legal penalties, loss of certification/reputation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and ISO 55001
OSHA FAQ
ISO 55001 FAQ
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